Twelve steps to disaster preparedness

[Bob Hoffmann <escape@alt-escape.com>]

I thought the list might be interested in the below exchange, which started 
with my email to the Latah County Disaster Services.

[My message begins]
I have seen your flyer with the above title [Twelve steps to disaster 
preparedness], which recommends that everyone keep a month's worth of 
supplies (food, water, etc.) in case of emergency.  FEMA (The Federal 
Emergency Management Agency) only recommends having a three-day supply on 
hand.  Can you explain the disparity in your recommendations and FEMA's?


>Mr. Hoffman:
>
>FEMAs recommendation of a three day supply is considered to be the amount of
>time it will take for you to receive outside assistance in most instances.
>In this area, where come communities and many rural residents are likely to
>be stranded due to winter storms or roads and bridges washed out or under
>water, it is prudent to have a reserve of disaster preparedness supplies
>sufficient to sustain yourself, your family and possibly some of your
>friends and neighbors.
>
>You can pick a number between three days and one year and find people and
>find people prepared to any given length of time.  You will find numerous
>handout materials distributed by this office that make different
>recommendations in that area.  You simply have to decide what is right for
>you. I have no way of know....
>
>Since you live in the City of Moscow, you should have no real problem with a
>water supply.  Moscow has a generator, provided jointly by FEMA (Latah
>County Disaster Service), the University of Idaho and the City of Moscow.
>It runs two of their deep wells and should be able to keep up should there
>be a power outage.  Again, it would be prudent to keep some potable water on
>hand.
>
>You will find many references to a "72-Hour Kit".  Again, the three day
>supply of thing you need to keep handy in the event you have to evacuate
>your home quickly.  A similar kit is recommended for your vehicle in the
>event you become stranded away from home.
>
>I think you will find FEMAs recommendations address the problems associated
>with hurricances and tornados, and where there are better and larger
>established organizations to respond to disasters such as the American Red
>Cross and the Salvation Army, to mention only two of the common agencies.
>There is little capability from those agencies in this area.
>
>There are shelters established in every incorporated community in Latah
>County, but only one has emergency power and there is little or no trained
>staff to man the shelters.  There are no reserves of food or supplies for
>the shelters.  Some training in shelter management will be available on
>November 30th in room 2-B of the Courthouse.  Call this office at 882-8580,
>ext. 3385, if you would like to attend.
>
>I would suggest you stop by the courthouse and pick up a number of other
>disaster preparedness publications for your reference or visit the FEMA web
>site at www.FEMA.gov to find a number of helpful publications you can
>download.
>
>We appreciate your interest in disaster preparedness. In the event you have
>other questions, please feel free to call at the above number.
>
>Sincerely
>
>Gary O'Keefe, Coordinator
>Latah County Disaster Services


Bob Hoffmann
Alt-Escape Adventures
229 East C St., Suite B
Moscow, ID  83843  USA
Phone: (208) 883-0642
Fax: 1-800-683-3799
http://www.alt-escape.com